Town of Colonie GC, 418 Consaul Rd., Schenectady, NY 12304
Email: neny@pgahq.com Website: Northeastern New York Office: (518) 438-8645
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The Northeastern New York Section of the PGA of America is proud to announce the Class of 2025 Special Award Winners. All 2025 NENY PGA Special Award Winners will be celebrated for their achievements in the fall at an event combined with our NENY PGA Section Fall Membership Meeting.
Scott Battiste, PGA Head Professional & Owner, Eagle Crest Golf Club - Golf Professional of the Year
The NENY PGA Section is proud to announce that Scott Battiste, Head Golf Professional and Owner-Operator of Eagle Crest Golf Club has been named the 2025 NENY PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award. This is the highest annual honor given to our section professionals recognizing excellence in leadership, service, and dedication to the game of golf.
Scott’s journey in 2024 has been nothing short of transformational—not only for his facility, Eagle Crest Golf Club, but for the entire Northeastern New York golf community. In addition to managing and overseeing a busy 18-hole public facility that averages nearly 40,000 rounds annually, he spearheaded the revitalization of a once-neglected adjacent property that now includes a mini golf course, ice cream shop, home of the NENY PGA Section & Foundation offices, and a revitalize executive 9-hole facility designed to grow the game for future generations.
With unmatched vision and hands-on leadership, Scott’s personal and professional investment in the renovation of the facility, now known affectionately as “The Nest,” is a living example of his commitment to service, creativity, and partnership. It has become the home to collaborative and innovative PGA programming, junior golf development, and inclusive events for all ages and abilities.
Despite these recent expansive efforts, he remains deeply rooted in his day-to-day responsibilities at the “big course” overseeing league play for over 650 players each week, managing a new golf simulator business, and continuing to teach whenever time allows. Colleagues describe him as a servant-leader with unwavering energy and boundless passion and a deep desire to elevate those around him. He is quick to praise his staff who help to make each operation run smoothly.
Scott earned his PGA Membership in 2016 and is a Capital Region local product who pursued his passion for the game into his profession. He has spent his career at Eagle Crest GC, advancing from outside operations in his teenage years to Assistant Professional, Head Professional and now involved in facility ownership. He has served on NENY PGA Committees and is an avid supporter of the section’s tournament program both as a player and as a host to his fellow PGA Professionals and for junior tournaments to young players and their families. He was an early supporter of PGA initiatives captaining PGA Jr. League teams, Drive, Chip & Putt qualifiers, participating in the inaugural fundraiser, The Birdie Challenge of the NENY PGA REACH Foundation last year which are all proof he backs the PGA brand both with action and heart. Scott and his wife Kayla, have two young sons, Archie (age 4) & Theo (age 2).
The highest honor paid by the NENY PGA Section to a working PGA golf professional whose total contribution to the game best exemplifies the complete PGA Professional. This award embraces a wide range of services executed by the club professional.
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Matt McPhillips, Director of Instruction, Mohawk Golf Club - Teacher & Coach of the Year
The NENY PGA Section is proud to recognize Matthew McPhillips as the 2025 Teacher of the Year, honoring his exceptional contributions to golf instruction at both the grassroots and collegiate levels.
McPhillips currently serves as Director of Instruction at Mohawk Golf Club and Head Women’s Golf Coach at Union College, where his innovative coaching methods and inclusive programming have left a lasting mark already. Under his leadership, the Union College women's golf team soared in national rankings from #166 to a program-best #76, now ranked 14th in the NCAA East Region.
A PGA Specialized Professional in Teaching & Coaching, McPhillips is in constant pursuit of education and training in the area of instruction and has attended national teaching summits and presented as a panelist at section events. His unique teaching philosophy includes “learning-in-reverse” programs, creative club-limit challenges, and team-based games that foster fun, adaptability, and strategic thinking for players of all levels.
His mentorship of PGA Associates has helped usher several into Class A status, and his 2024 leadership launch of "Accelerator Sessions" in the section has provided a new model of peer-to-peer professional development and mentorship.
With past honors including the 2021 Professional Development Award and 2022 Player Development Award, McPhillips continues to inspire students and fellow professionals alike through his passion, creativity, and commitment to making golf accessible and engaging for all.
The "NENY PGA Teacher of the Year Award" bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional who has performed outstanding services as a golf teacher and coach among the ranks of PGA membership.
Joseph LaVigna, PGA Assistant Professional, Western Turnpike Golf Course - Assistant Professional of the Year:
The NENY PGA Section proudly honors Joseph LaVigna, Assistant Professional at Western Turnpike Golf Course, as a 2025 Special Award recipient of the same category name. Joe earned his PGA Class A membership in 2020 and is commended for his leadership, dedication, and tireless commitment to growing the game. Lavigna is a passionate, competitive tournament player and has been mentored by NENY PGA Hall of Fame member, Herb Moreland and now by his current Director of Golf, Casey Childs. He is the epitome of the Assistant with facility operation responsibilities including oversight of instruction programs, managing league and outing operations and leading junior and beginner golf initiatives that have engaged hundreds of new players. He has also become engaged and passionate with NENY PGA HOPE as an instructor at the section’s flagship HOPE program.
This is the premier award paid to assistant golf professional which bestows special recognition on an Assistant Professional whose total contributions to the game and their facility best exemplify the complete Assistant. This award embraces a wide range of services executed by the working club professional.
Kevin Cain, General Manager, Colonie Golf & Country Club - PGA Professional Development Award:
Kevin Cain, PGA just recently stepping into a new role and announced as the General Manager at Colonie Golf & Country Club has earned the 2025 Section PGA Professional Development Award. Previously Kevin worked as an Assistant Professional at the club and then into the Director of Instructor role and now officially GM. For the past five years, Kevin has served as the Chair of the NENY PGA Education Committee’s Chair and is heavily invested in the local educational offerings to his fellow professionals. He was an impetus to the beginning of the section’s virtual education known as Pro2Pro, which has become extremely popular. He has been continuously engaged in other section governance areas and was elected by his peers into the the NENY PGA Section Secretary position last year.
The "NENY PGA Professional Development Award" bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional who is the model educator of PGA Professionals to include outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education.
Rick Wolcott, PGA Head Professional, Mohawk Golf Club - Merchandiser of the Year (Private)
The NENY PGA Section proudly recognizes Rick Wolcott, Head Professional of Mohawk Golf Club as the 2025 Merchandiser of the Year. With over 60% of his time devoted to merchandising, Wolcott has built a thriving, customer-focused retail operation. Merchandising has always been a passion he has gravitated to and succeeded at any employment position he has held during his career and his merchandising philosophy centers on proactive communication, personalized service, and carrying top-tier products at fair prices.
A seasoned PGA Professional, Wolcott is a four-time Merchandiser of the Year across two Sections, a past NENY PGA Professional of the Year, and recipient of the PGA Professional Development Award and Roland Stafford Awards. His consistent attention to detail, mentorship of staff, and dedication to member satisfaction continue to set a high standard in the golf industry.
Peter Tavares, Director of Golf, Saratoga National Golf Club - Merchandiser of the Year (Public/Resort)
The NENY PGA Section is proud to honor Peter Tavares, Vice President of Golf Services at Saratoga National Golf Club, as the 2025 Merchandiser of the Year Public/Resort category. With over $1 million in annual merchandise sales and a 1,500-square-foot golf shop, Tavares leads a merchandising team known for its dynamic, customer-focused approach. Weekly display refreshes, curated premium products, and an unwavering attention to detail have created a top-tier retail experience for members and guests.
A multi-year AGM Platinum Award winner and past top 10 honoree, Tavares has also earned the Section’s Merchandiser of the Year title multiple times. His dedication to quality, innovation, and service continues to elevate the standard of golf merchandising in the region and beyond.
The NENY PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award is designed to recognize those PGA Professionals who have excelled as business persons/merchandisers in the promotion of golf. The NENY PGA Section honors PGA Professionals in two categories: Private and Public/Resort Facilities
Evan Silkworth, PGA Head Professional & Owner, Hudson Valley Indoor Golf - Patriot Award
The NENY PGA Section proudly recognizes Evan Silkworth, Owner and Head Professional at Hudson Valley Indoor Golf, as the 2025 Patriot Award recipient for his outstanding dedication to supporting military personnel and veterans through golf. In 2024, Silkworth served as lead HOPE instructor for the first PGA HOPE program at his facility and contributed to additional HOPE programs at NY Golf Park and the Town of Colonie. Beyond instruction, he organized Veterans Play Free Days on key national holidays, providing complimentary golf and refreshments to nearly 100 local veterans. Deeply rooted in a family tradition of military service, Silkworth's lifelong commitment includes volunteering at veterans’ cemeteries and participating in memorial services from a young age. Evan has also participated as a playing professional in the PGA District 1, Northeast HOPE Invitational event in the past and led a team to compete in the Section Foundation's inaugural Birdie Challenge fundraiser.
Evan Silkworth embodies the spirit of the Patriot Award through his leadership, generosity, and heartfelt commitment to honoring those who have served.
The "NENY PGA Patriot Award" bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional, who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.
Scott Warren, Owner & Director of Instruction, SIM Golf - Player Development Award
Scott Warren, Owner & Director of Instruction of SimGolf, has been named the 2025 Player Development Award recipient. A longtime PGA leader and mentor, Warren has created a thriving indoor golf environment where golfers of all ages and abilities come to learn, improve, and enjoy the game year-round.
In 2024, Warren launched and expanded a wide range of programs and PGA initiatives, including junior clinics, ladies clinics, PGA HOPE, PGA Jr. League, and the innovative "Morning Grind" practice sessions, which drew over 240 participants. His partnership with the Montgomery County Veterans Program has also provided free golf lessons and camaraderie to dozens of local veterans.
A former NENY PGA Officer and Board Member and past recipient of both the Bill Strausbaugh Award and Golf Professional of the Year, Warren continues to mentor PGA Associates and grow the game across multiple counties. With a recent 10,000-square-foot expansion of his SimGolf facility, Warren is redefining what player development looks like in upstate New York.
The "NENY PGA Player Development Award" bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional, who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of player development.
Michael Shine, PGA Assistant Professional, Schuyler Meadows Club - Roland Stafford Award
Michael Shine, Assistant Golf Professional at Schuyler Meadows Club has been named the 2025 Roland Stafford "Sportsmanship" Award Winner. Known for his professionalism, and tireless commitment to delivering exceptional member experiences, Shine approaches each day with energy and purpose—striving to make every moment on the job feel like a championship event.
An active leader within the Section, Shine serves as a Director at Large on the NENY PGA Board as well as Chair of the Associates Committee, and a member of the Tournament Committee. His presence in NENY tournaments is equally impactful, having competed in multiple PGA Assistant National Championships and capturing several section majors. Shine is widely admired for his integrity, mentorship, and uplifting spirit, consistently setting an example both on and off the course. His dedication to the PGA’s core values and his passion for supporting fellow professionals make him a standout representative of the Association and a deserving recipient of this award.
This award in honor of Roland Stafford, is presented to the PGA professional who exemplifies the qualities in honor of the true traditions of the game of golf such as integrity, honesty, and sportsmanship.
Tim LaSarso, Sales Representative, Taylormade Golf - Sales Representative of the Year
The NENY PGA Section proudly recognizes Tim LaSarso, Territory Sales Representative for TaylorMade Golf, as the 2025 Salesperson of the Year for his outstanding service, relationship-building, and dedication to the PGA community.
With 17 years in the golf industry—all within the NENY Section—LaSarso brings a unique perspective as a former PGA green grass professional, allowing him to understand the day-to-day needs of PGA Professionals. His sales philosophy centers on listening first, solving problems, and being an accessible, dependable partner to accounts of all sizes. Whether it’s helping with products for local charity events, mentoring young professionals, or creating fitting events for veterans, LaSarso exemplifies what it means to serve both the game and those who lead it.
This is the premier award presented to one of the Section’s Sales Manufacturer Representatives who serves the NENY PGA Section with outstanding customer service, support and dedication to the members and apprentices of the NENY PGA, as well as support of the Section through sponsorships and other programs.
Anders Mattson, Owner & Director of Instruction, AndersMattsonGolf - Youth Player Development Award
Anders Mattson, Owner & Director of Instruction of AndersMattsonGolf is the 2025 Youth Player Development Award recipient. As Chair of the Section’s Junior Golf Committee, Mattson leads one of the region’s most impactful junior academies, serving over 100 players and producing multiple collegiate golfers. His PGA Junior League teams have reached nine straight regional finals and two national finals.
Known for his “Anders Standards” emphasizing etiquette and integrity, Mattson sets a strong example for young golfers and fellow professionals alike. He is also taken on an official mentor role, of a registered PGA Associate working as an Academy Coach. A multi-time award winner, he continues to be a leader in growing the game through youth development.
The "NENY PGA Youth Player Development Award" bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional, who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of youth player development.
Josh Hillman, PGA Head Professional, Taconic Golf Club - Bill Strausbaugh Award
Josh Hillman, PGA Head Golf Professional at Taconic Golf Club and Head Men’s Golf Coach at Williams College, has been named the 2025 Bill Strausbaugh Award winner. A dedicated mentor, Hillman has helped guide multiple associates into head professional and coaching roles while fostering leadership, honesty, and consistency in every aspect of his work.
With over a decade of service on the NENY PGA Board and leadership on numerous Section and NCAA committees, Hillman is a respected voice in both professional and collegiate golf. His commitment to growing the game, mentoring others, and upholding the values of the PGA make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
This award is presented to those PGA Professionals who by their day-to-day efforts have distinguished themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations and through their service to the community (such as civic and/or charitable efforts).
Roland “Bud” Abare, PGA HOPE Ambassador - Doug Evans Distinguished Service Award
A Vietnam veteran and dedicated advocate for his fellow servicemen and women, Roland Abare has used the game of golf as a path to healing, connection, and service. Introduced to PGA HOPE through a lesson five years ago, Bud has since become a tireless PGA HOPE Ambassador for the section and a volunteer and supporter of veteran-focused golf programs throughout the Capital Region. Bud has always been an unofficial Ambassador to the section, but was just accepted and announced as 1 of 20 Class Members invited attend the 2025 PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week that will be held October 8-13 at Congressional Golf Club.
With over 8,000 volunteer hours at the Albany VA and active involvement in numerous charity golf tournaments, he embodies compassion, leadership, and resilience. His efforts to raise awareness of veteran suicide through “22 holes for 22 a day” events, and his hands-on support for fellow veterans at PGA HOPE, have made a lasting impact on his community. His unwavering dedication and inspiring presence truly reflect the spirit of the Doug Evans Distinguished Service Award.
The "NENY PGA Doug Evans Distinguished Service Award" bestows special recognition on an individual who has had a meaningful contribution to the NENY PGA Section, the NENY PGA Membership and the entirety of the local area golfing community in general. This award embraces the characteristics of leadership, integrity, and enthusiasm for the game of golf much like its namesake, Doug Evans.
All 2025 NENY PGA Special Award Winners will be celebrated for their achievements at an event in the fall based around the Section’s Fall Membership Meeting.
On behalf of PGA HOPE, we are pleased to announce that Bud Abare has been selected to represent the Northeastern New York Section at the sixth annual PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week from October 8-14, 2025.
Every year in October, PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week invites twenty PGA HOPE graduates who have been nominated by their home Section to an immersive five-day event that includes golf instruction from PGA of America Golf Professionals and wellness training from the Cohen Veterans Network — covering topics from social media, public speaking, stress management, mental health and more. Hosted by Congressional Country Club in Washington, D.C., the Veterans are equipped with a toolkit so they can return to their home PGA Sections as PGA HOPE Ambassadors to work with other Veterans in their communities and foster the game of golf.
A Vietnam veteran and dedicated advocate for his fellow servicemen and women, Roland Abare has used the game of golf as a path to healing, connection, and service. Introduced to PGA HOPE through a lesson five years ago, Bud has since become a tireless PGA HOPE Ambassador for the section and a volunteer and supporter of veteran-focused golf programs throughout the Capital Region.
With over 8,000 volunteer hours at the Albany VA and active involvement in numerous charity golf tournaments, he embodies compassion, leadership, and resilience. His efforts to raise awareness of veteran suicide through “22 holes for 22 a day” events, and his hands-on support for fellow veterans at PGA HOPE, have made a lasting impact on his community.
